The large volume of data, both structured and unstructured, gloriously known as big data, is being analyzed every minute by companies to make strategic business decisions. It is a big deal for every industry, including the gaming industry, as they are continuously harnessing the power of big data & analytics to disrupt their markets. With the proliferation of connected devices, the amount of data being collected through various online games has seen exponential growth, and hence, eye-catching opportunities for businesses to predict customer trends and increase their profits using big data analytics services. According to Statista, the gaming industry is worth $178 billion in 2021, while it is expected to exceed $268 billion by the year 2050. The pandemic has changed the world and one of those changes can be seen in the mobile gaming industry. The mobile gaming industry is growing at a rapid rate, with its market value expected to cross $272 billion by the year 2030, according to a report by GlobalData. And big data analytics has played a key role in success.
Here’s how big data and analytics are disrupting the gaming industry:
A shift from premium to “freemium” business model
Freemium games are games available for free and rely for income on in-app advertisements and microtransactions made by the players for features upgrade etc. The use of big data analytics services has increased the profitability of freemium games. The mechanics of the game are designed in such a way that the players are motivated to make in-app purchases. Gaming companies are actively relying on big data analytics services for accurate insights, which help them know their customers’ behaviour better, strategize precisely, and increase profits.
Upgrading the design of the game
With the large and easy flow of information from consumers to servers, gaming companies are able to collect valuable feedback which helps them redesign the game according to the wants of the masses. Predictive analytics in the gaming industry helps improve the UI/UX of the game by measuring, predicting, and tracking a player’s behaviour. This can give a quick boost to profits since the more time players spend playing the game, the more likely they are to make a purchase or watch in-app ads.
AI and Machine Learning are boosting profits
Implementation of big data analytics techniques in the gaming industry is truly a game-changer. With AI and machine learning, data scientists can conveniently unearth hidden behavioural patterns and analyze the effectiveness of in-app ads. This leads to accurate identification of which ads will work. Big data analytics techniques help in shooting highly personalized and targeted ads to customers.
Online games are a “Gold Mine” for data
Big giants like Microsoft are acquiring super-profitable games like Minecraft for $2.5 billion with a long-term aim of collection, analysis, and deep insights about consumer data. Minecraft has nearly 126 million monthly players on average. Now Microsoft has access to that data. It can use this valuable information for years to come. Similarly, with big data analytics trends on the rise, organizations are continuously monitoring the market with the help of big data analytics services and market research companies to disrupt the market.
Benefits of big data analytics:
In-app purchases and cross-selling: Gaming companies can identify consumer buying behaviour and display relevant ads to promote more products and offerings for sale.
Uninterrupted gaming experience: During the peak season of gaming, big data analytics techniques can become really useful. Using predictive analysis, big data analytics services can identify relevant trends and forecast future requirements for scaling infrastructure and preparing companies for the upcoming load.
Increased play time and engagement: Big data analytics techniques can identify relevant patterns and behaviour to identify the most and least popular parts of the game. The design team can make changes by increasing or decreasing the difficulty of the game stages accordingly and help engage the gamers for a longer duration.
Ensuring fair play and cheat detection: Companies such as Valve software and Ubisoft are using big data analytics techniques to identify if any teams or players are “cheating.” They track down all the data from all the matches played and use it to counter false practices and make the online gaming experience fairer.
Conclusion
The gaming industry is downright disrupted by big data & analytics. It is one of the most impactful tools available to organizations for strengthening and perfecting their strategies and make well-informed decisions.
